Junior stalwarts clash as Palawan netfest unwraps

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s top junior netters and rising stars slug it out for top honors and ranking points beginning today as Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala regional age-group tennis circuit presented by Technifibre holds its Summer Festival 2014 in Puerto Princesa City.

Luke Flores and Nathan Songco headline the boys’ premier class while Alexie Santos and Khyshana Hitosis lead the title chase in the girls’ 16- and 18-and-under class of the week-long Group 2 tournament sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association.

A fierce battle in the other age divisions also looms with Jerry Louis Ong and Lance Ubay heading the 10-unisex field, Averille Sacapano and Amelie Matta bannering the girls’ 12-, 14- and 16-and-under classes, Monica Cruz and Chloe Saraza leading the 14-and-under category.

Also on tap in the event are the boys’ 12-and-under, led by Sebastian Santos and Raven Hitos, 14-and-U headed by Matthew Flores and Paul Ong, and 16-and-U cast, also to be headlined by Luke Flores and Matthew Flores.

“We expect the best and the rising stars to compete in the event, this being a Group 2 tournament which stakes ranking points,” said Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro, adding the tournament also serves as a thanksgiving for their patrons who have been supporting them through the years.

The participants will also be treated to a tour of the city, including a visit to the world famous Underground River, according to Castro.

“We thank Palawan Pawnshop for their commitment to help develop the sport and provide the youth a series of tournaments where they could hone their talent and skills,” said Philta president and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez.

For details, contact Philta referee and tournament director Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.

Meanwhile, the circuit goes to Cebu for the next leg on May 19-24 at Mactan Airbase in Lapu-Lapu with the Consolacion Tennis Club in Laray, also in Cebu, to host the next stop on May 26-31.